Attorney I - County Attorney - Civil Division - Tort Unit

Job Description Summary
Department - County AttorneyJob Description

OPEN UNTIL FILLED

Job Type: Unclassified

Job Classification: 3001 - Attorney I

Salary Grade: A2

Pay Range

Pay Range: $84,947 - $161,387 Annually

Range Explanation:

• Hiring Range is an estimate of where you can receive an offer. The actual salary offer will carefully consider a wide range of factors, including your skills, qualifications, experience, education, licenses, training, and internal equity.

• Pay Range is the entire compensation range for the position.

The first review of applications will be on 10/09/2026

The Tort Unit of the Civil Division of the Pima County Attorney's Office defends Pima County, its employees, and elected officials, against tort claims and lawsuits that allege negligent or wrongful acts and/or civil rights or federal statutory violations. These claims and lawsuits are often complex and seek high-dollar damages.

The Tort Unit is seeking an attorney with litigation experience who can co-chair a caseload of tort cases with senior counsel. The ideal candidate must have excellent organizational skills and the attention to detail required to manage a high volume of information, evidence, and legal theories on multiple cases as well as work well with other attorneys, paralegals, and support staff. Knowledge of tort law and Section 1983 claims and defenses is required. Trial experience is highly desirable.

This classification is in the unclassified service and is exempt from the Pima County Merit System Rules.

Essential Functions:

As defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, this classification may include any of the following tasks, knowledge, skills, and other characteristics. This list is ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and tasks performed by incumbents of this class. Work assignments may vary depending on the department's need and will be communicated to the applicant or incumbent by the supervisor.

• Prosecutes or defends a variety of criminal or civil cases in Justice Court, Juvenile Court, Superior Court, Federal Court, and Appellate Courts which may include misdemeanor, felony, dependency, delinquency, mental health, guardianship, conservatorship, probate administration, contract, tort, environmental, real estate, tax issues, child support, or appellate cases;
• Represents County departments, boards and commissions in civil litigation and administrative matters;
• Engages in negotiations for compromise and settlement of cases and complies with Victims' Rights;
• Engages in pretrial, trial, post-trial and appellate practice as required by cases;
• Prepares litigation, deposes witnesses, provides witness notification, and conducts bench and jury trials;
• Researches legal questions;
• Researches and drafts legal motions, pleadings, briefs and other legal documents;
• Reviews, evaluates, and participates in investigations;
• Complies with all rules regulating professional responsibility;
• Upholds the values and goals of the assigned Department and County.

Minimum Qualifications:

Juris Doctorate.

Qualifying education and experience must be clearly documented in the "Education" and "Work Experience" sections of the application. Do not substitute a resume for your application or write "see resume" on your application.

Selection Procedure:

Pima County Human Resources Department reserves the right to admit to the selection process only those candidates that meet the minimum qualifications. All applications will be assessed based on an evaluation of the listed education and experience. Candidates meeting the minimum qualifications may be further evaluated/scored against any advertised Preferred Qualifications. The hiring authority will interview and select the successful candidate from a referral list provided by Human Resources. Additional assessments/testing may be required as part of the selection process.

Supplemental Information:

Licenses and Certificates: Valid driver license is required at time of application. Valid AZ driver license is required at time of appointment. The successful applicant will be subject to a 39-month DOT Motor Vehicle Record review to determine applicant's suitability to operate county vehicles in accordance with Pima County administrative procedures. Failure to obtain and maintain the required licenses and certifications shall be grounds for termination. Any offer of employment resulting from this recruitment is contingent upon Fleet Services' review and approval of the candidate's driving record. Admission to the Arizona State Bar at time of appointment, which must be maintained in good standing.

Special Notice Items: The County requires pre-employment background checks. Successful candidates will receive a post-offer, pre-employment background screening to include verification of work history, education, and criminal conviction history. All positions may require satisfactory completion of a personal background investigation by the court or law enforcement agencies, due to the need for access to County Attorney and Court facilities, records, and communication systems.

Physical/Sensory Requirements: Frequently operates a computer and other office equipment. Frequently observes details at close range. Frequently speaks to clients, witnesses, and other case involved parties, such as law enforcement agencies and experts in-person and/or on the phone. Regularly works in a professional office setting. Occasionally drives to conduct field work. Occasionally must lift and carry items. Occasionally remains in a stationary position. Occasionally moves about inside an office. Action Activity - Reaching; Motion Activity - grasping; Speaking Activity - in person and on the phone; Vision - operate motor vehicle, distinguish colors, have depth perception and peripheral vision.

Working Conditions: Regular, daily attendance is an essential function for this position. Regularly receives and responds to telephone calls, text messages and emails. Drives to visit clients and witnesses at residence or at jail, and other locations to speak with other case involved parties.